Trying to categorize Fairfield County is like trying to eat ice cream with a fork: At first, everything goes well. But the longer you keep at it, the more the good stuff seems to slip through those pesky prongs. This is a place that reaches both ends of nearly every spectrum, from downtown apartments to waterfront mansions, hot-dog stands to French bistros, and herb-education centers to private universities. One day you're searching for hidden worms at a pick-your-own apple orchard; the next, you're sampling fine wines at a local vineyard. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax with a rowboat and a fishing pole on the lake, or cruise Long Island Sound in a schooner. Shoppers can find bargains at a flea market or diamonds at Tiffany's. Fairfield County is sometimes overwhelming, sometimes cozy, and sometimes a combination of the two. But it's never boring.

And let's face it: It's not exactly subtle, either. In fact, a reputation for extravagance and exclusivity-deserved or not-often precedes us. As a newcomer, or perhaps even a long-time resident, you probably have questions about these and other things you have seen or heard about Fairfield County. This guide is designed to remove the guesswork by sorting through the myriad options for dining, housing, recreation, shopping, commuting, and living in this diverse and popular region of Connecticut.